PORTSMOUTH, Havant and Gosport are now under Tier Three coronavirus restrictions, but what does that mean for the neighbouring Isle of Wight?

Earlier, the government confirmed we would stay in Tier One.

Tier Three rules restrict travel.

Following the government announcement, we asked the Cross-Solent to Portsmouth operators Hovertravel and Wightlink what the change means.

Both will continue to operate, and neither has any authority to ask people where they are from or question their reasons for travelling.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Hovertravel has its own Q&As which state:

Q: Will Hovertravel keep operating between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight?

A: Throughout the pandemic Hovertravel has maintained its ten-minute connection, serving communities on both sides of the Solent by flying people, patients and post to and from the Isle of Wight. Hovertravel will continue to provide a fast ferry option for those who are permitted to travel under the current government guidelines.

Q: Can Hovertravel stop people travelling between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight?

A: Hovertravel has no authority to question its passengers regarding where they are travelling from, why they are travelling and where they are going. We are asking our customers to Hover responsibly and observe the current restrictions at all times.

Q: Can I travel between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for work?

A: As the government advice states, if you are unable to work from home, you can travel to work.

Q: Can I travel between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for hospital appointments?

A: The government and NHS are asking people to keep attending their booked hospital appointments and Hovertravel continues to work with the Wessex Cancer Trust, ferrying patients to the Queen Alexandra hospital in Portsmouth.

Q: Can I travel between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for day trips, visiting friends and family or shopping?

A: The government is asking residents in Tier Three areas to avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible. However people that need to travel to a Tier One area must follow Tier Three rules. Travel to Tier One can only be made for work, education, to access voluntary, charitable or youth services, because of caring responsibilities, for moving home, to visit your support bubble, for a medical appointment or treatment.

Q: Can I travel between Portsmouth to Isle of Wight at Christmas?

Between December 23 and 27, you may travel between tiers if necessary to meet with other households in your Christmas bubble or return home.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Wightlink said: 

"The UK Government has announced that Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant will move into Tier 3 from Saturday 19 December. Wightlink is already reminding customers that the Government advice to people living in Tier 3 areas is that they should not travel outside their area. This requirement now applies to those who live in Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant." 

Don't bring Covid back with your Christmas shopping

What does MP Bob Seely say?

"I will be talking to the police and the council about the situation now that neighbouring areas on the mainland are in Tier Three.

"I would also urge residents living in areas near us, including Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant please not to visit the Island until restrictions in these areas change, unless it is for essential reasons.

"We, on the Island, also need to be mindful when visiting Tier Two and Tier Three areas. We should not be going to areas with higher infections rates unless it is for essential reasons.

"We don’t want to be doing Christmas shopping and bringing Covid back to the Island, especially since one in three people who have it do not know they have it."